Despite the United States’ ongoing withdrawal process from the World Health Organization (WHO), key U.S. health agencies—including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—have actively participated in a WHO meeting on influenza vaccine composition ahead of the upcoming flu season.
Continued U.S. Involvement in Global Flu Preparedness
WHO’s Director of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, Maria Van Kerkhove, confirmed the participation of U.S. agencies in the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, underscoring their ongoing contribution to critical global health efforts.
“We hope that the pause in the work that we’re doing with the U.S. is temporary and that we will be able to resume full collaboration in the coming weeks,” Kerkhove stated.
Although the U.S. has taken steps to exit the WHO, it has not withdrawn from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the WHO’s regional office for the Americas, indicating a continued presence in regional health initiatives.
Vaccine Recommendations for the 2025-2026 Flu Season
The WHO meeting, which included global health experts, resulted in updated influenza vaccine recommendations for the 2025-2026 flu season in the Northern Hemisphere. The agency advised:
- Inclusion of updated H3N2 strains, aligning with recent updates for the Southern Hemisphere.
- Additional zoonotic vaccine strains for bird flu, following a human infection case reported in Australia last year.
These updates aim to enhance global preparedness against emerging influenza strains, reducing the risk of severe outbreaks.
Challenges in U.S. Vaccine Policy Discussions
Despite the U.S. agencies’ involvement in the WHO’s global flu strategy, domestic vaccine regulatory meetings have reportedly faced disruptions following the recent appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as head of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Kennedy, known for his skepticism toward vaccines, has raised concerns about potential shifts in U.S. public health policy.
As the U.S. navigates its uncertain relationship with the WHO, its continued participation in pandemic preparedness and vaccine development remains a critical factor in global public health efforts.
